At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Mortgage Underwriting Team and ensure high customer care standards.
- Company: Join a specialist mortgage lender known for excellent customer service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous bonuses, pension up to 10%, and hybrid work options.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, make impactful lending decisions, and mentor others.
- Qualifications: Must have extensive experience in manual mortgage underwriting and team leadership.
- Other info: Regular office presence required, located just north-west of London.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Are you seeking your next challenge within Mortgage Underwriting, working with an organisation that prides themselves on excellent customer service? We’re pleased to be working with our specialist mortgage lender client, as they seek a Head of Underwriting to join the organisation owing to retirement. Reporting into the Head of Operations, this role holder will have responsibility for the Mortgage Underwriting Team, ensuring high customer care standards, mitigating risk, whilst operating in a highly regulated environment. You will also hold a personal mandate. The underwriting team underwrites all lending cases manually, which includes complex cases.
Duties of the Head of Underwriting:
- Manage and maintain the integrity of the Mortgage book by leading within mandates and the lending policy.
- Be the subject matter expert in specialist underwriting for niche products.
- Assess complex mortgage applications when out of line of the lending policy.
- Undertake control checks on the Underwriting team.
- Ensure timely lending decisions are made within the agreed SLA’s.
- Authorising lending cases within approved mandates.
- Delivering a first class personalised service that includes keeping the customers or intermediaries informed of any delays.
- Communicate with Brokers and intermediaries on declined cases and provide objective feedback as appropriate.
- Be responsible for new product criteria assessment.
- Lead, coach and mentor the Underwriting team.
Qualifications:
The successful candidate will possess:
- A wealth of experience in manual, mortgage underwriting.
- Experience of leading a team of underwriters.
- Experience of dealing with brokers, intermediaries and packagers.
In return you can expect a highly competitive salary as well as strong benefits which include generous bonus, pension up to 10% and onsite parking. Regular office presence (office is just to the north west of London) is required but there is the opportunity to work on a hybrid basis.
Contact Detail:
Ultimate Banking Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Underwriting
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and regulations in mortgage underwriting. This will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a highly regulated environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the mortgage industry, especially those who have experience in underwriting. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams and managed complex cases in your previous roles. Highlighting your leadership skills and problem-solving abilities will be crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s values and customer service approach. Being able to align your personal philosophy with theirs during discussions will show that you're a great fit for their culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Underwriting
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in mortgage underwriting and team leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage complex cases and maintain high customer care standards.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the company. Mention your experience with brokers and intermediaries, and how you can contribute to the team's success while ensuring compliance with lending policies.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise skills that are crucial for the Head of Underwriting position, such as risk mitigation, decision-making under pressure, and mentoring abilities. Provide concrete examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ultimate Banking
✨Showcase Your Expertise
As a Head of Underwriting, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of mortgage underwriting. Be prepared to discuss specific cases you've handled, especially complex ones, and how you navigated them within lending policies.
✨Highlight Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, share examples of how you've successfully managed and mentored underwriters in the past. Discuss your approach to coaching and how you ensure high standards within your team.
✨Communicate Effectively
Effective communication with brokers and intermediaries is key. Prepare to talk about how you've maintained relationships and provided constructive feedback on declined cases, ensuring transparency and trust.
✨Understand Regulatory Compliance
Given the highly regulated nature of the industry, be ready to discuss your experience with compliance and risk mitigation. Highlight any specific regulations you've worked with and how you've ensured adherence within your team.